Smithsonian Natural History Museum & National Gallery of Art Combo Museum Tour
- WASHINGTON D.C. /
- Smithsonian Natural History Museum & National Gallery of Art Combo Museum Tour
Discover more about this tour
Experience both nature and art on this combo tour of two of the Smithsonian’s most iconic galleries – the National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art. This 5 hour semi-private tour will introduce you and up to 10 guests to the highlights of these world-famous collections, as well as the stories behind some of the most exciting works and artefacts.
First, head to National Museum of Natural History where your guide will help you navigate some 126.5 million artefacts housed in a purpose-built structure that covers the area of 18 football fields. You’ll marvel at the 46-karat Hope Diamond, whose brilliant blue sparkle caught the eyes of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette before disappearing during the French Revolution. As you gawk at the gems and jewels, you’ll gaze at the glowing Dom Pedro Aquamarine, the world’s largest gem of its type. Lose the glitz as you come face to face with real mummies and explore the rituals and routines of Ancient Egypt. These Egyptians aren’t the only once-living specimens on display. Giraffes, elephants, polar bears, and other land giants are stuffed and mounted for your pleasure. Then set sail towards the Ocean Hall, where a real life coral reef exhibit brings the sea to you. Learn the story behind Phoenix, a 45-ton whale that the museum has been following in the wild, as you stand in front of a life-sized replica.
Afterwards, at the National Gallery of Art, your guide will take you on an excursion to discuss pieces by well-known artists including Da Vinci and Degas as well as more modern artists like Picasso, Warhol and O’Keefe. Monet’s “Woman with a Parasol,” Stuart’s portrait of George Washington, and Titan’s “Venus with a Mirror” are just some of the highlights. They’ll share the stories and, if you’re lucky, the scandals behind these paintings. Discuss the techniques used to create these important works as well as the museum itself, which transformed from a nearly empty building to a world-class museum in less than 100 years.
By the end, you’ll have experienced the best that the Smithsonian has to offer, and without wasting a moment.
Highlights Generally Include: (if artwork is not on loan or being restored etc.) Hope Diamond • Dom Pedro Aquamarine • Star of Asia sapphire • Egyptian Mummies exhibit • Live Fossil Lab with working scientists • Natural Wonders of the World photography exhibit • Ocean's Hall exhibit • Arctic Narwahl Exhibit • Little Dancer by Edgar Degas • Ginevra de’ Benci by Leonardo da Vinci • George Washington by Gilbert Stuart • Self Portrait by Vincent Van Gogh • Venus with a Mirror by Titian • Woman with a Parasol by Claude Monet • The Alba Madonna by Raphael
Meeting Point: By the Constitution Ave entrance of the National Museum of Natural History
Duration: 5hs
Starting Time Options: 10am
Days: Daily
Includes: Tour Guide; Museum Entry; Lunch Break Between Museums
Adult
18 years of age or older
(based on group size)
Youth
Between 10 - 17 years of age
(based on group size)
Child
Between 0 - 9 years of age
(based on group size)
- I was in Washington D.C. recently and went on an amazing combo tour of the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery of Art. It was one of the best tours I have ever been on. Our tour guide Matilda was phenomenal. She was just a wealth of information, and took us to all of the best exhibits. The Natural History Museum was just wonderful, and I was blown away by the incredible art on display at the National Gallery of Art.
